The University of Texas Longhorns secured a dominant 31-3 victory over Mississippi State on Saturday, but the win came at a steep physical cost. Five regular starters—including both starting wide receivers and the primary running back—suffered injuries that forced them to exit the contest prematurely. This mass exodus of talent raises immediate concerns for the team’s depth chart heading into the upcoming stretch of the season.
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Offensive coordinator and head coach Steve Sarkisian confirmed that wide receivers Cam Coleman and Ryan Wingo, along with running back Hollywood Smothers, did not finish the game. The defensive unit also suffered losses, with defensive backs Graceson Littleton and Kade Phillips forced to leave the field. Sarkisian emphasized the severity of the situation, noting that all five players are “integral parts to the team,” though the specific nature of their injuries remains undetermined pending midweek medical evaluations.
The injury list compounds an already thin roster, as Texas is currently missing All-American edge rusher Colin Simmons, EDGE Richard Wesley, and offensive tackle Trevor Goosby, who is out for the season. While the program hopes Simmons can return within the next two weeks, the immediate focus for the coaching staff is assessing the availability of the five new casualties. Sarkisian stated that re-acquiring these players is a primary emphasis for this week’s practice sessions as the Longhorns look to stabilize their lineup.
Source: Yahoo Sports
